Car Shows

[kamzack]

I'm asking for my fellow Stude and Forum folk to give thier opinion on a subject. I not trying to come across as a whiner, or a big baby but would like your feedback.
My kids and I went to a wonderful show last Sunday(skipped church). I've been a participant for 5 years now. The first 2 years in a 49 Hudson, the last 3 a 66 Daytona.
It's rough; floors are rusty, fenders are rusty, paint is just about non existant(someone hosed it over sometime in it's past). I've been gathering parts for the 4 years I've had it, new sheet metal, grill parts, rockers and so on. I hope this is the winter I'll tear it apart and have it look nice by next spring.
The Daytona was absolutely the roughest one there. Point being my daughter and I were made to feel that the car didn't belong there.(it is an orphan) My daughter, whom the car belongs to and to whom I promised to have done by age 16, sat by her car for a good part of the day. She was the recipient of several negative comments. "Did ya just drag that thing out of a barn?". "I bet ya bought it off ebay and drug it here,huh". "Where's the wrecker that brought it here". Last year a guy commented about it's being a "rough one" and I said to him "I'm here, where's yours and how much did ya spend on it". I even had a couple of negs from Stude guys. I realize that they aren't typical of Studebaker family folk, but wondering if I should go to any events with it's not being pretty. Three years ago spring, I showed pictures of it to the main organizer, he said "bring it".Underneath all of the ugly is a 56k mile 230 that runs like new, a completely rebuilt front suspension,serviced trans that works perfectly,new exhaust system from manifold back with all of the correct bends and hangers, a 331 factory twin track that has had seals and new gear oil installed, brakes completely gone through, new tires, a drive shaft the has had new U joints installed, a gas tank that's been completely cleaned out and sealed, an electrical system that works perfectly including BU lights, park lights, headlights, turn signals, radio,glove compartment light, park brake warning light, clock and heat/defrost system(gets cold in Michigan).
I absolutely would go anywhere in it, including Cedar Rapids or to Bob Peterson's in Calfornia. It's taken 4 years to get it to this point and now I'd just about rather give it all away. It's been a fun thing for kids and I to do to distact us from some of the bad stuff in the world and in our lives. Folk loved my Hudson when I had taken it in the past. I'd tell folk to sit in it, start it up and see how it feels. My cars have always been drivers as in "Studebaker Drivers Club". I traveled all over the country in a 57 Broadmoor for several years and put right at 200k on it. I've never been afraid to drive em, cause I knew what they were made of and what I'd done to them to remove the fear. Not everyone can have a show quality car, but the desire and ability and know how is there, but not the money it takes.
I did a show quality 63 Lark, which I still own, for my Dad back in the early eighties. It was fun, but ya had to be so protective; rubbin and wipin and cleaning. Took some of positive edge off.
I don't mean to run on and on, but I've had this on my mind since Sunday. Shoulda gone to church and skipped the show.
Kim

[GTtim]

Too bad you get a bad reception. Not everyone has good manners and maybe some are just doing some good-natured ribbing. In any case I wouldn't bother going where I didn't feel appreciated. Maybe you should try doing some of the evening cruise-ins in your area. That crowd may be more receptive. Otherwise I think your last sentence answers your own question.
All the best,


Tim K.
'64 R2 GT Hawk

[clarkwd]

The most important thing here is you had some quality time with your daughter and you got a kid interested in an old car. More quality time is ahead, even if its not at a Sunday show.
Bill

[Nitram]

Originally posted by kamzack
My daughter sat by her car for a good part of the day. She was the recipient of several negative comments. "Did ya just drag that thing out of a barn?". "I bet ya bought it off ebay and drug it here,huh". "Where's the wrecker that brought it here".
I even had a couple of negs from Stude guys.
I did a show quality 63 Lark. It was fun, but ya had to be so protective; rubbin and wipin and cleaning. Took some of positive edge off.
Kim the comments your received at the show infuriate me. Don't loose any sleep over them.
I feel especially bad for your daughter.
I also drive an original paint vehicle, surface rust and all.
I get sick and tired of the A** holes who ask when I'm going to paint it.
WHAT MAKES YOU THINK I [u]WANT</u> TO PAINT IT!!
I DON'T WANT A TRAILER QUEEN!
I can let the kids climb all over it and not worry about the shine. I use it to drive, haul and work for me.
There is a mind set out there that if you have a classic car it has to be in pristine condition, and if it's anything other than that, don't bother to bring it to a show. I despise it.
Don't get me wrong, I love shiny paint and chrome, just not on mine at this point in time.
Maybe some day down the road she'll get a new coat of paint but as of right now I like it just the way it is. She's a driver.
OK...rant over[}:)]
Check out the "Good Guys" car shows. They attract old looking vehicles...rat rods etc. You and I would fit right in at one of their shows.

[S_Ferrell]

You sure hit a nerve with me. We have a car show on Tues nights, in Solon Ohio. It is one of the biggest in the state, over 200 cars per week. I am also fortunate that it is only ten minutes from my office. It also had the rudest, cold, snobbish people I have ever met in the hobby and that includes working in a museum for over nine years. I love showing my car, it is completely 1962 orginal. I allow children to sit in it. Fathers take photos of their kids behind the wheel. It kills the "classic" 57 Che### owners that no one pays attention to their cars when Stuart is there. I could never understand for the life of me what gives people the right to come right up to my chair and exclaim how ugly my car is, would they say the same thing to a girl I was dating? I was at Solon one night, having a conversation with a gentleman in his 70s. He had a stunning 1937 LsSalle Touring Sedan. He opened the car and let me look inside. The car was next to a 1995 Vet. Then this mid life late forty something runs over and yells at the old man" hey buddy, could you move your car, your too close to me." I told him, this man is old enough to be your father, show respect, besides his car is probably worth more than yours and maybe he doesnt need an extension of his manhood like you do.

[barnlark]

I've been to Solon for that once in my Lark, being fifteen minutes away. I rather go to my golf league in it. Most are very nice and complimentary, but I never let the 2% get to me. If I wanted to fit in, I would and buy a big three car. I refuse to be over-sensitive about having a Stude though. It comes natural living near Cleveland. Why defend the choice and sound like a baby? Have fun and laugh it off. They'll go away. You have the power to make it a good experience, or get touchy about it. Even here, everyone has different tastes. Plenty of car idiots to go around, they aren't unique. Insecure people say things to make themselves feel better. It will never end.
Kim, hang in there and take plenty of pictures of the before, so the after will bring a satisfying smile when the money and time permits. You and your daughter are larger than that. Thanks for representing the SDC, anyway. [^][8D]


http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh48/newshooter44/DSCN2035-1.jpg

[Anne F. Goodman]

Take a look at Gus in the picture can you imagine the nerve 0f me taking him to car Shows putting eyeballs and eyebrows on him Buck Teeth. Well some people get really offended that he is by their beautiful Cars. They ask when are we gonna fix him up? I say he's already done. It takes all kinds most people just love him. Driving a Studebaker is an experience all buy itself, they aren't brave enough to Dare to be different. Now me I get the Brand out there every chance that I get any reaction to our Studes is a good one in my book. Sometimes it hurts but stay positive I purposefully bring less than perfect Studebakers to Car Shows because we are all not the same and they need a reminder. They were all born to be driven. So please take your car out in public if that show bothers you take it to another. Nice to hear that mechanically you have the hard part done.

Mabel 1949 Champion
Hawk 1957 Silverhawk
Gus 1958 Transtar
The Prez 1955 President State
Blu 1957 Golden Hawk
Daisy 1954 Commander Regal Coupe
Fresno,Ca
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o269/nw3anne/Mabel.jpg?t=1165475035http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o269/nw3anne/xmasannecopy.jpghttp://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o269/nw3anne/GusMater.jpghttp://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o269/nw3anne/th_DSCN17232008-01-01.jpghttp://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o269/nw3anne/54%20Commander%20Regal%20Coupe/3539580552_f5500eb0d8-1-1.jpg

[studegary]

I am sorry for the poor reception that you received, especialy on your daughter's behalf.

Your story reminds me of the first time that I went to Macungie. I had preregistered. I drove my 1953 Commander Starliner hundreds of miles to get there. Like your car, I had the mechanicals done, but hadn't done the body work, yet. When I got to Macungie, I was stopped at the entrance gate and told that I couldn't bring that in. I sat there and calmly explained that the car was preregistered and how far I had driven the car to get to their show. They finally begrudgingly let me enter. I sat there at the gate until they did. Once in the showgrounds, I had no problem. I have been back to Macungie, in other cars including a 1963 Avanti, and enjoyed it there.

Gary L.
Wappinger, NY

SDC member since 1968
Studebaker enthusiast much longer

[tutone63]

If it drives, and its a stude, be proud! (heck, if ya got a stude at all, you should be proud!) Mine is about a 5 out of ten, I would say. Driver, some blemishes, not pristene by any meanss . (the wife noticed the paint fading for the first time this summer) Oh well. I drive it, I love it, I take it to shows, and honestly, I am usually in good company. I like seeing the rougher cars anyway, they have tons of character. every ding, every rust spot, every crack has a story. I would never put anyones classic down.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh54/tutone63/63larkside-1.jpghttp://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh54/tutone63/n1005314212_30160111_518999.jpghttp://www.thelincolnforum.net/phpbb3/images/smilies/035.gif


1963 Lark, 259 V8, two-tone paint, Twin Traction. Now that the salt is off the roads, she is getting back into regular rotation!

[S_Ferrell]

It was not just my Stude being insulted, it was an older gentleman being disrespected by a Vett owner. I have southern upbringing and I cannot stand by while an elder is being disrespected.

[Mark57]

You can find unfeeling folks anywhere and it is indeed unfortunate when they behave badly in front of the young ones. [V]

But, we are the Studebaker DRIVERS Club, so to me driving them is the best (and most important) part. [8D][^]

Best to always take the high road in these situations as you always have to go home with yourself. ;):)

<h5>Mark
'57 Transtar Deluxe
Vancouver Island Chapter
http://sdcvi.shawwebspace.ca/ </h5>

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x153/MarkH57/CandyStore1Thumb.jpg

[Dick Clemens]

I love taking BABY to shows and cruise nites the way she is, needing paint rust holes showing and all. It really gets good when they put me between a late model Vette and a late model Stang and people come by and say that they can go to a dealership to see them but look at this old Studebaker you never see one of these any more. then I can tell them how much fun it was to pick her up in minn. and drive her to S/B and then to Arkansas. I also regale them with the history of Studebaker. Don't let it get to you. tell your daughter that it takes all kinds to make up the world. Different strokes for different folks. By the way BABY is a 66 cruiser.

studedick from the lower Ozarks

[Bob Hutchins]

Not all people who come to car shows are nice. Along with my Studebaker and T-bird, I have a nice '65 Corvair Convertible that I take to shows once in a while. It is treated like a red headed step child. I get much better response with the Studebaker. Just about everone likes it. The funny thing is that people want to know who built the Studebaker!

Robert L. Hutchins

[KGlowacky]

Barnlark, S Ferrell, what cities in Ohio are you all from. I was born and raised in Niles Ohio.

[bridgegaurd]

quote:Originally posted by kamzack


In my family circle we have a group of cars and trucks that are far away from perfect. But we have they, drive them and show them for ourselves. And if others enjoy them good on them if they don't eeeh to bad.

I always have the same mindset if ya like say so (if you want to) if you don;t move on i'm not interested.

But like all things some people just have to run their mouth. It's the same in every hobbey. And all ya have to do is ignore them. I don't even respond it only keeps them going.

Your doing your thing with your car as a family project how good is that. Take that feeling and let it shine. And let the yaking idiots babble on down the line.

Hope you keep going and that it turns out the way you and your daughter want it to be. A nice old car waiting for the next road trip.

[raprice]

Kim,
Whatever you do, don't be swayed by the morons who make rude remarks about your car. If you wish to say something, just say it's a work in progress & the mechanicals are good as new.
I suspect that you wouldn't get those comments at a pure Studebaker show. Most (including yours truly) would appreciate that someone is committed to bring back another Stude to life.
That's my stand.
Rog

'59 Lark VI Regal Hardtop
Smithtown,NY

[JRoberts]

I too have received comments like this about both my Champ (whose paint is deteriorating fast) and my Cruiser that has the original paint, in most places. Both are far from perfect, but they're mine and I like 'em. I will probably eventually put paint on both vehicles at the present time I'm working on the mechanicals.

I used to frequent a local cruise night at the local Sonic, but have stopped going because of comments like you received. Often when I go to a show I park outside of the show area, but as close to it as possible. People can look at my Stude, make comments both good and bad and I don't have to kick myself for paying to be insulted.

It is ironic that this subject came up when it did. I just got the latest edition of Hot Rod in the mail and I sat down and read part of it. David Freiburge's column addresses the fact that often folks, including him, stop working on a project just because it doesn't seem to be getting to the point where fashion says it should be. His new recommendation is to spend a little and drive it! I like the thought. Check out the Power Tour pictures and see how many cars are as far from show cars as can be. Still they are providing lots of fun for lots of folks.

The sad thing about the comments you received is that some seem to have been aimed at , or at least overheard by, your daughter. I cannot think of a better way to discourage a young person from the hobby. Keep her working with you on the car(s) and like was said earlier, explain that some people are simply not good people.

Hats of to you for including you daughter in the hobby.


Joe Roberts
'61 R1 Champ
'65 Cruiser
Editor of "The Down Easterner"
Eastern North Carolina Chapter

[bige]

May I suggest as an offensive move against the offensive people. Make up a sign explaining its rarity, its place in history as the last of the Stude line, that it DOES have a Chevy engine and that it's there to educate not to vie for trophies.

We all know there are more 'horses asses' than horses but I bet some of them thought they they were participating in the joke, with their comments. Not that your car is a joke but their expectation of a car show is to see pretty, shiny cars.

Most spectators at these shows are not hobbyists and have no sense of the work entailed to restore a car, the history that it represents or the passion that even the roughest vehicle can instill in its fans.

Give the idiots...err, I mean spectators, an easy way to ask questions about the car and your plans for it and you may be the star of the show. IMHO

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/AvantiR2/track.jpg
On its way to a 15.097 Spring 2006.

[JBOYLE]

I've quit taking the Bearcat to some shows because it:
1. Isn't "custom" enough for some street rodders (even though it's a hand-built custon).
2. Not a 50s-early 60s that fits in at cruise nights.
3. Not pure enough for some antiquers.

But everyone else...seems to like it and don't seem to care about what it is..or isn't.
There's probably a lesson to be learned there.
Some of the people that consider themselves "car guys" and "experts" are missing out on a lot of neat stuff by not taking a bigger view of the hobby.
You've got to look byond what you [u]know</u> you like to maybe learn to like/enjoy/appreciate something new.

63 Avanti R1 2788
1914 Stutz Bearcat
(George Barris replica)

Washington State

[starliner62]

Ok, my turn. Joe Roberts has seen my car. It is far from perfect, with primer all over it and bumpers that need help, but
it's my car and I like it. It's fun to drive and it gets all kinds of looks. I'm sure, even in our local chapter, it is not good enough for some, but that's their problem , not mine.
Th best part of my car is the fact that it got my 13 year old son off of the Playstation and outside to help me work on the car. He absoutely loves "his" car and is a proud young man when he's sitting in the passenger seat, riding down the road.
My hat is off to Kim and others that want to get young ones involved in this crazy hobby.

Jamie McLeod
Hope Mills, NC

[mbstude]

While I was up in the Atlanta area earlier this week, I went to a local 'cruise in' with Tom Elliott and George Reitenour (Now THAT guy has some good stories! [:p]).

I had the roughest car there, aside from a homebuilt "rat rod". More shiny chrome than you'd care to see in one day. I ended up parked next to new Corvette, with the typical snooty Corvette owners sitting beside the car.

People flocked to the Stude. :)

Don't let it get to ya, Kim. You're having too much fun.

Matthew Burnette
Hazlehurst, GA

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/1959S2D/may%2029%202009/58_big011-1.jpg

[Steve T]

Kim et al--

This is a very fine thread. So much of what's been said rings true for me, and reflects why it is I insist on driving around as much as possible in the non-winter months in a humble, slightly scruffy, little sea-blue '62 Lark VI Deluxe 2dr post. It's the fun of engendering nostalgia among folks who remember Studebaker when one could still buy a new one...and even the quizzical "what is this car?" reaction one frequently gets from the younger set. And I like not having to cringe, aghast, as someone gets too close to my Lark; there's no such thing as "too close", at least not until--and if--I decide to paint the old gal. The odd negative remark (and they're few and far between) I allow to bounce off. As has been said here multiple times, we're too busy having fun to be dragged down by people who are never happy unless no one else is...

The Corvette crowd might be stereotypically snooty, but I think that rap, too, is the result of the attitudes of a minority within that community. For example...One nice memory I took home from the recent Crossroads ZM in South Bend was of a conversation I and two or three other SDCers had with a very pleasant couple who showed up at the hotel parking lot one of the evenings in a gorgeous white '66 Sting Ray coupe. They trundled slowly round the lot in their Vette, having stopped en route from A to B just to see the bunch of Studes. They were clearly of the same mind as we SDCers were: having fun by means of a classy old ride.

And as to outwardly-rough but sound "survivors"...I find them terribly interesting, since they "wear their history" visibly. Saw several such cool Studes during the ZM (and lovingly photographed 'em all)! Kim, if you and your daughter like your '66 the way it looks, don't refinish it. Not even having seen it, I can say anyway...it rocks!

Cheers

S.

[hotrodstude]

this sounds like i'ne been there before. i love going to a car show with a beater.or unexpected engine under the hood.the first thing i do is make sure the car is machinal 100 per cent.the body is the last thing that gets fixed.i'd take my 56 chevy to the chevy shows the chevy lovers would go nuts when i poped the hood. most knew it was not a chevy engine(had fined valve covers with buick casted on the side of the valve covers).they would give me hell but i would tell them wait until next year and it will have a 390 ford in it.
i helped a friend put an amc 401 v-8 in a 67 nova ss that car would run like a stripped a** ape. and when i showed in a beater my reply was "it's a work in progress".this week while trying to org. my 3 storage sheds i found an engine i had forgot about its a "494"cubic inch ford which was a road racing engine it started life as a429 four bolt main engine.now wheres that chevy body?my son has a friend in daytona who has been collecting parts from the race teams. this man has no room in his house and a back yard of sheds of parts all of them ford,hes the one i bought the 494 from $300.00. has a spun rod bearing. but don't let them get you down.remember it's a work in progress.my 56 ford never was a beauty queen but it could beat 99percent sbc in town,and that not a bad job for a lowly 272 y-block.and every month it would go a littlt faster because it was a work in progress.the y-block powered fords won 83 of the nascar races in 1957 that was a 2to1 win ratio over the sbc.in 1958 ford went to there 352 fe series engines did not have a good season until 1963 when the came out with the 427.and as they say the rest is history.and just tell them your working on a allison v-12 aircraft engine for next year.

[Steve T]

Oo...a V1710 in some sort of Hawk funnycar...like that Aussie 55 Chev with the RR Meteor (Merlin tank variant) V12, painted like a 352nd Fighter Group P-51. Given the Curtiss-Wright corporate link and the name "Hawk", the Allison-engined Stude would have to get Flying Tigers livery and shark teeth. Hey, Keoni, photoshop us up that, huh?:D

S.

[Dick Clemens]

I just got home from the Cruise in the Rock in Little Rock. We had bad weather here today so not many cars showed. Only one Stude, a 49 boxvan.318 Dodge,Camaro front clip and rear end,reversed hood, grey primer,ugly but what great home engineering. Had a crowd around it all night. I made an announcement about the International Drive Your Studebaker Day and the international meet in Cedar Rapids. My point is we should be very proud of being part of the best club in the car hobby. We just need to educate these others about the history of our marque. By the way rode to the show in my neighbors 04 vette convertible with the top down. Speedster yellow. WOW!!!

studedick from the lower Ozarks

[kamzack]

Thanks everyone for the positive and kind comments.
I don't usually let the neg comments get to me as I have an upbeat response for them and they usually go away smiling and having a little more understanding of why the car is the way it is. I like makin people laugh, If I can get em to giggle just a bit I know I've made contact. It bugged me that no one said anything negative while I was sittin by the car, but when my daughter(her name is Kameron) was by herself folk seemed to be free to say whatever they wanted to. By lunch she was ready to go, but we stayed til the event was over. One of the things that I tell people is; "I like bringing my rusty, trusty old Studebaker here because I don't have to get out the polish rags, detail spray, chrome polish, big duster, and guard it all day so's no one gets near it. I drive in like I own the place, I get a good parking place, I drag the lawn chairs out, slam the trunk lid down, and go look at cars, and come back and sit in the chair to rest for a bit, then go visit folk. Oh, and how far did ya have to walk to come look at the cars? I'm right in amongst em".
In everyday life, I've often been asked; how come you drive em old cars all the time? I answer with a series of questions. Such as, how much is your car payment, what are you paying for insurance, I'd bet if your's dies a natural death on the side of the road, you'd have to call the hook to come getcha, huh. Cause common folk can't fix cars with computors in em on the side of the road. Then I tell em about my road box and what's in it and they have usually gone away queitly trying hard to figure out who's the dumb one. If it breaks, I can fix it.
My 10 year old son,Zack, is a high function austic boy and is a motorhead as well. When we were walking around looking and takin pics of cars, He'd read the posters staked by the cars and tell me what year it is, what kind of car or truck is and say " I know alot about old cars, don't I dad". You sure do, son. He's a fun kid.
When we brought the 66 home 4 years ago, Kameron(10 at the time) named it "Lucy", she is a big Lucille Ball fan.
So anyway, on the way home, she was asking me about what the paint's gonna look like and about the interior and such and I told her it is always gonna be a driver. It will look nice in and out but we aren't gonna be worried about it getting a scratch or whatever, cause we can fix it.
I'm runnin on again, ya have to understand, I'm the only adult in this house and it's hard to get folk to stand still long enough ta let me have a little adult interaction, so I pick on you folk.
And I sure appreciate it,
Thanks everyone
Kim

[whacker]

My response to these people? "Which one of these cars here is yours?" only very rarely do I find another classic owner point one out. Most of these people are wannabes and wuffos that don't own a classic car. When they say they don't own a hobby car of some sort, I tell them, "well, you know there are those that do, and there are those that wish they did. I know which I am, and now I know which you are."

[John and Tracy Smith]

We take great pride in every Studebaker our family owns...and most of them are pretty rough. We have only been personally involved in the hobby for just under two years, but we can remember very clearly feeling this same way when we would take our truck to our first Studebaker meets, car shows, and cruise-ins. What has changed since then? Mostly ourselves, we suppose (outwardly, most people would probably say that the truck still looks the same.) We still get the questions, comments, and sneers. People either "get it" or they don't. We've been looked down upon by those whose cars didn't cost much more than our own (but look "prettier") and we've been asked by the owner of a $50,000 convertible Cadillac if he could park next to our truck (because he liked it and not so his would look better!) Since the responses pretty much depend on the crowd, what we depend upon to stay constant is our pride in our Studes. While it certainly feels nice when we get a positive response, nothing feels better than knowing that we have helped keep these cars on the road and in the public eye. Besides, no one at these shows has walked a mile in our shoes, nor driven a mile in our Studebakers. They can't always relate to the hours we have put into our hobby or the passion that we carry for it. One of the coolest things in our eyes is knowing that our kids know what a Studebaker is. We're also well-known in our neighborhood as the family with the "old cars." One of the funniest things about this is that while the adults sometimes look at us like we're out of our minds, the kids and teenagers will come and look at/touch/talk about our Studebakers all day long. They aren't afraid of being interested in what is different. Like us, they value the challenge and intrigue of the unique.

It's wonderful that your children appreciate and have an interest in this hobby. If anything, they will be able to learn from your example that while some people in life unfortunately are just negative or narrow-minded, that shouldn't and doesn't diminish the pleasure and pride that our projects (in any stage) bring us. Keep the faith! There are plenty of us out there who love your car for exactly what it is.

John and Tracy Smith
Queen Creek Arizona
http://1955studebaker.blogspot.com/

[IMG]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f352/studebakertruck/IMG_3130.jpghttp://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f352/studebakertruck/IMG_3159.jpg http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f352/studebakertruck/DSCN5167.jpghttp://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f352/studebakertruck/DSCN1027-1-1.jpghttp://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f352/studebakertruck/DSCN1034-1.jpg

[packardHawk58]

I restore early Corvette's for a living and I have a few Corvettes which are quite rare out here but when I go to a car show I take my 60 Lark Convertible, people are more interested and want to talk about this car than the Corvettes because it is more appealing and they have never seen one.I can hardly wait till I have my Packard Hawk finished for next year for it is only one of two in the country, that will certainly attract some interest! That's what it is all about, getting those studie's out on show and enjoying them and Kamzack, if you have a daughter who has an interest in this hobby you are very lucky man.

[S_Ferrell]

To the person who wanted to know: I am from Cleveland Ohio. I attend a wonderful cruise on Sundays at Coe Lake in Berea, there is a 1957 Golden Hawk, 1951 Land Cruiser and my car. There is also an Austin Mini Moke and other weirdness. People are very nice. My church has a great cruise on Thursdays, Grace Church Middleburg Hits Ohio. We average 200-250 per week. We were voted no. 1 for food at a cruise. At each cruise, Stuart is in attendance.

[53k]

No matter how nice your car is you will find some kind of "prejudice" no matter where you go. The most ridiculous example I have seen was when our Potomac Chapter, on a tour, was invited to join the Mid-Atlantic Packards at one of their meets at a beautiful estate (big money) in the Shenandoah Valley. One of our members who has a gorgeous '57 Packard (has won every first place possible including AACA Senior First), parked with the Packards instead of with the Studebakers. The Packard jerk next to him got in and moved his "real" Packard so he would not be next to "that car".:(
The estate owner and his wife welcomed us as family as did most of the other Packard owners.




Paul Johnson, Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. '64 Daytona Wagonaire, '64 Daytona convertible, '53 Commander Starliner, Museum R-4 engine, '62 Gravely Model L, '72 Gravely Model 430

http://www.frontiernet.net/~thejohnsons/Forum%20signature%20pix/Copy%20of%20broken%20circle.jpghttp://www.frontiernet.net/~thejohnsons/Forum%20signature%20pix/Copy%20of%201-1-08%20002.jpghttp://www.frontiernet.net/~thejohnsons/Forum%20signature%20pix/Copy%20of%201-1-08%20004.jpghttp://www.frontiernet.net/~thejohnsons/Forum%20signature%20pix/Copy%20of%201-1-08%20006.jpg

[rodnutrandy]

I worked retail auto parts for almost 20 years. Their is always a few bad apples, and you have to take them with a grin. Same way at car shows. Some go for the spotlight, some like me, to talk to car people and see the autos. Everyone has a starting point on a vehicle , and No ONE should make negative comments. Main thing is they are out enjoying their ride!

Randy Wilkin
1946 M5 Streetrod
Hillsboro,Ohio 45133
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/3105614572_3fbddc8fd7_m.jpg

[8E45E]

The solution? Bring it back next year!![^]

If you have done some progress to it, then you probably will get some good, positive comments. Even if you don't do anything to it, your '66 will still be the most remembered car there, and I can bet the comments will be more positive just for having it there once again. I can speak personal experience with my '65 Commander which I have shown for the past 23 years at the 'Spring Thaw' which is like your Daytona, going by your description. This year I recieved a "It looked exactly the same last year" when I entered, and when I left, I got a "Thank you for coming, see you again next year!" by one of the organizers.

Craig

[EHarnett]

I myself have a 1966 Studebaker, its a 4 door Cruiser, rusty floors, rusty rocker panels, holes in the trunk, still has its original faided black paint, I think this car is great, fun to drive and all around great car, the old 283 always fires right up, its more reliable then the Volvos I work on. I too have gone to car shows and have gotten rude comments, I learned years ago, when I was little to ignore most of these comments, my dad has an original 1927 Model T in less then perfect condition, rust, flat black and gloss black paint in different places, lots of people would stop and look at it, and say what a pile of junk it was, they still do, but it draws alot of attention at car shows, most of the comments are good, same goes for my Cruiser. I went to a car show last year, parked between a new Dodge Challenger and a 65 Galaxie, both owners were less then happy to have an old Studebaker parked between their nice and shinny cars, The guy with the Challenger asked me, " Why on would anyone want to be seen in a piece of s*** like that" I had trouble ignoring that, but I did. I dont care what those guys think about my car, its mine, and I am proud to own and drive it, Im also 20 years old, driving a 43 year old car.

Eric Harnett
1966 Cruiser
Hamilton Ontario
Hamilton Chapter

[rusty65]

I just sat here and read EVERY post concerning this subject.I want you all to take a bow! In the words of Gomer Pyle "Thank you, thank you, thank you!!"I'll explain what I'm talking about here-I just this minute got home from a cruise night.I went in the Camaro because the wife didn't want me to take "that **[}:)]* Studebaker."I parked Molly (the Camaro)a ways from the entrance and walked in.Talked to a few folks, swapped a few stories and there was one Studebaker there.Now here I am in a Studebaker hat and a Studebaker t-shirt and the owner looks at me as if I'm trying to bum money off of him or something, and turns his head as if he didn't see me.Okay Bub, no problem.Later as I was walking around, a cute young lady hands me a flyer for a car show sponsored by a certain car club.I calmly say,"Well, I've been a member for twenty-plus years and they're finally giving me something!"This is a show I have attended twice in the past, and the last time I was there,I got an icy reception from the folks at the registration table.I literally had to beg for a dash plaque; the first time she said "No, but you can still make a contribution."The bloody nerve!!Then, under the registration table (I found this out later)were several dozen tire chocks.Do you think Wonder Woman would ask if I needed one or wanted to buy one?H[}:)]** no!Then when I finally park, right between a fully restored '56 Merc and, you guessed it- a Vette.The judge walks up to my car and the lady yells "Don't judge that one!!"Now the nice thing about this show is that they have an 'Under Construction' class.Like others that have posted here, I have the mechanicals of the car right( suspension, front end, brakes, fuel tank) but the engine bay isin't the cleanest in the world and the body is kind of cheezy.Now, with all of this being said, YOU, ALL OF YOU have given me the motivation to take Sarah to that show next week!!:DThey really ought to love me this year because the front bumper and chrome trim are off of it! What the Devil, the car is roadworthy,the original paint shines in some places, and there ain't nuthin' wrong with the radio!!I even made a cute little yellow sign that says Under Construction just in case some folks can't figure it out lol;)Oh and by the way, I do have a working fire extinguisher on the transmission hump that I DON'T use as a tire chock!!Thanks for hearing me out, guys and gals; you're the greatest!!!:)

[bams50]

Good comments! When I hear a nitwit actually say something like that I have a hard time NOT pinning their ears back with a good comeback[}:)]

I have recounted this story on the Forum more than once, but here it is again:

We have a regular Wed. night cruise-in at an area Wegman's Supermarket. I look forward to it, whether it's in my prized 65 Lincoln convertible, or a raggedy old Stude- like Molly, the Lark wagon.

One Wed. I drove Molly to the cruise. I wheeled her in in my customary swoop maneuver, right next to a nearly-new yellow 'Vette, the usual cloud of dust and blue smoke following me in. As I always do, I hopped out with a grin and offered a hello to the owner. He sort of sniffed my way and went back to polishing the 'Vette, careful to keep his tan Dockers and Bruno Maglis clean. I just shrugged and went over to Bob Barker's Hot Dog trailer for a coney.

In that 5 minutes' time a small crowd had begun milling around Molly. As I walked up there was a father with two small boys, each waiting their turn to be lifted up so they could see inside. I wiped the mustard off my face and opened the door and said, go ahead and jump right in there, you won't hurt her! Well, the boys had the best time tweaking the knobs and rocking the steering wheel. Soon there was a whole crowd, grinning, looking, and asking questions. I popped the hood, and everybody wanted to see in there too.

Meanwhile, Docker man and his lady were getting a little annoyed that NOBODY was looking at his 'Vette. I noticed his ears getting red, then he went to the folded arms and the face like somebody cut the cheese. At one point I walked between Molly and his car and he said to his lady- obviously for my benefit- "Well, none of them better lean on our car...". Without thinking I said, "Ah, don't worry- they're having so much fun laughing at my car they don't even see yours! But yours is cute too..." I continued on, his face got red, and in about 5 minutes him and the little woman jumped in the car and peeled out onto the street, never to return.

That night I got a real-life example of how some people can really be car snobs- and how sad they are[xx(]

Here's a picture I took when I pulled up; wish I had thought to take more with the crowd around:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a243/bams50/002-3.jpg

(I'm gonna miss that little wagon):(

Robert (Bob) Andrews- on the IoMT (Island of Misfit Toys)
Parish, central NY 13131
http://www.patrioticon.org/images/flag3-1.gif

[DEEPNHOCK]

Sometimes that can be the best part of a show....
That look of glee in a kids face is priceless..
(As ol' Dave would say..."Good on ya!")
Jeff[8D]


quote:Originally posted by bams50

&lt;snip&gt;
In that 5 minutes' time a small crowd had begun milling around Molly. As I walked up there was a father with two small boys, each waiting their turn to be lifted up so they could see inside. I wiped the mustard off my face and opened the door and said, go ahead and jump right in there, you won't hurt her! Well, the boys had the best time tweaking the knobs and rocking the steering wheel.
&lt;snip&gt;[/br]

[Chris Pile]

Well, I better weigh in here... I used to have an original, slightly rusty '49 Champion sedan I referred to as "My Fat Girlfriend".

Years ago my nephew just bought a very nice '69 Charger in Fire Red (kind of red/orange) and asked me to bring my Studebaker along to hang out at a local car show. My brother followed suit with his charcoal metallic '99 'Vette.

We found a shady spot to park away from the crowd, and nephew commenced to polishing his Charger while I sat & watched. In no time, a big crowd headed our way - and he stepped back to answer all the questions he thought were coming his way.

My brother still laughs about how my nephews face fell - the folks walked right by his eye-popping Mopar to smile and point at my slightly rusty old Studebaker, and remember when Dad or Uncle Bob had one "just like it".

It was a great feeling, I'm telling ya!. I never did have a bad comment, and I was always happy to tell about it at the car wash or a gas station.



Chris Pile
Midway Chapter SDC
The Studebaker Special